Today is Halloween…a holiday in which I do not participate. There are a myriad of reasons why I choose not to be a part of this ghoulish time…and most of you would disagree with all of them…so be it. There was a time when I went with the flow…the whole nine yards. Eventually, I began to see the world as it is…instead of as it should be…and I realized that many of the “fun, fictional, make-believe” things that are a part of this celebration…aren’t “fictional”, or “make-believe” at all…they are very real…and have nothing to do with fun.
This is not a veiled attempt to dissuade anyone from celebrating…I learned a long time ago that each of us must come to our own conclusions. I have no quixotic illusions of rescuing the human race from hell fire and damnation…no one will go to hell because they celebrated Halloween. But…I would say this…understand that things are not always what they seem, there is a dark, dangerous, side of this world, that far exceeds imagination in it’s abilities. Although it exists in a region…unseen by human eyes…its effect on us is unmistakable. Its devastation can be total, and its reach incomprehensible.
I’m all for a rousing, good time…I just prefer that my fun not revolve around demons…witches…and spirits from the nether regions.
Whatever your convictions, desires, notions, preferences, or plans for this day may be…be kind to those around you, be aware of your surroundings, protect those in your care, don’t be duped, and listen to your heart.
Be Well, Be Safe, Be Alert
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Monday, October 30, 2006
Arka who ha...
Once again, the weekend has passed in a frenetic flurry! Our time at Arkalalah was everything we hoped it would be…and more! The hour and a half ride to Ark City, the five of us together, laughing, talking, remembering past Arkalalah’s…and laughing some more, set the mood for a day filled with laughter, good natured ribbing, and creation of new memories. We strolled through the people packed streets, soaking up the sights, sounds, and smells of this annual celebration…with the aura of the past surrounding us and filling those unoccupied corners of our minds. The aroma of funnel cake, cotton candy, roasted corn on the cob, and corn dogs…joined intermittently by the occasional wisp of cologne or perfume, mingled with faces of people whose names were long ago forgotten. Struggling to recall those names, we joined forces and managed to retrieve a few…a second grade teacher, a grade school friend, a former co-worker...but soon we realized that names didn’t matter…and we settled into the simple comfort of knowing that we were on familiar ground, in familiar territory, and we were one group…of hundreds…who had come home again. I would never want to live there again, but there is solace in knowing, that there exists a place…where familiarity greets us. A place where we can go when we choose…leave when we want…and still be welcomed as friends when we return. One small spot in the cosmos…that we can claim as our own.
God smiled on the day…giving us weather beyond all expectations…sunshine and warm breezes. The parade was predictable…floats, spectacular marching bands (as well as some spectacularly bad ones), color guard (who opted for sobriety this year), veterans of every age, beauty queens, un-beauty queens, Shriners of every description, The Patriot Guard, tiny ballerina’s, 5 foot fowl, military vehicles, antique cars, antique people, and…of course…lots of candy thrown from or by all of the above.
We ended the day with dinner at Green Door…a small, shabby, grungy, Mexican food establishment…with perhaps the best chips and salsa on the planet! In keeping with the theme of familiar things…the waitress reported to our table with our drinks already prepared (correctly)…without asking us what we wanted, though it had been months since we were last there! The only one that wasn’t on her tray…was Candy’s…and I would bet money that next time, hers will be there too!
The drive home was happy, tired, and contented…with just a tinge of sadness…to see Arkalalah behind us again.
Marvin preached at our old church on Sunday…filling the pulpit in anticipation of a new pastor coming next week! His sermon was good, interesting, and appropriate…calling the congregation to support the new man in his endeavors…and to hold him fast…to the authority by which he is called!
I missed our new church…which is a good thing.
That brings us to this morning…I went for my morning walk, greeted the ducks and geese, and am patiently awaiting a phone call to inform me that I have, or have not been chosen for the job which I interviewed for on Friday. I’m curiously calm about it…either way…life goes on.
Be Well!
God smiled on the day…giving us weather beyond all expectations…sunshine and warm breezes. The parade was predictable…floats, spectacular marching bands (as well as some spectacularly bad ones), color guard (who opted for sobriety this year), veterans of every age, beauty queens, un-beauty queens, Shriners of every description, The Patriot Guard, tiny ballerina’s, 5 foot fowl, military vehicles, antique cars, antique people, and…of course…lots of candy thrown from or by all of the above.
We ended the day with dinner at Green Door…a small, shabby, grungy, Mexican food establishment…with perhaps the best chips and salsa on the planet! In keeping with the theme of familiar things…the waitress reported to our table with our drinks already prepared (correctly)…without asking us what we wanted, though it had been months since we were last there! The only one that wasn’t on her tray…was Candy’s…and I would bet money that next time, hers will be there too!
The drive home was happy, tired, and contented…with just a tinge of sadness…to see Arkalalah behind us again.
Marvin preached at our old church on Sunday…filling the pulpit in anticipation of a new pastor coming next week! His sermon was good, interesting, and appropriate…calling the congregation to support the new man in his endeavors…and to hold him fast…to the authority by which he is called!
I missed our new church…which is a good thing.
That brings us to this morning…I went for my morning walk, greeted the ducks and geese, and am patiently awaiting a phone call to inform me that I have, or have not been chosen for the job which I interviewed for on Friday. I’m curiously calm about it…either way…life goes on.
Be Well!
Friday, October 27, 2006
Arkalalah...
It's been a fast week. I have sent out a lot of applications and taken a lot of tests this week...this afternoon I have an interview for a position in the accounting dept of a local manufacturing firm. I'm afraid they are going to want to pay me less than my unemployment...but we will see. Everything else about the job sounds good, so I'm fairly certain something will go wrong.
On the bright side...tomorrow we head for Arkalalah! It will be a long, exhausting day of walking endlessly, through hoards of people whose faces look familiar...but whose names escape us. That's what happens when you move away for 11 years. Still, we look forward to this annual trek...the 2 1/2 hour parade, craft show, street vendors, bands, and hoopla! We will end the day totally wiped out, but happy, upbeat, chatting like magpies all the way home! It will be a good day!
For some reason I'm down in the dumps this morning...I can't quite figure out why...but so far...I can't shake it. There's a bit of that 'kicked in the stomach' feeling going on too...heart pounding a bit harder than usual...and a bit faster. The day is dreary...lots of wind, mist, grey clouds covering us like an umbrella.
Be Well!
On the bright side...tomorrow we head for Arkalalah! It will be a long, exhausting day of walking endlessly, through hoards of people whose faces look familiar...but whose names escape us. That's what happens when you move away for 11 years. Still, we look forward to this annual trek...the 2 1/2 hour parade, craft show, street vendors, bands, and hoopla! We will end the day totally wiped out, but happy, upbeat, chatting like magpies all the way home! It will be a good day!
For some reason I'm down in the dumps this morning...I can't quite figure out why...but so far...I can't shake it. There's a bit of that 'kicked in the stomach' feeling going on too...heart pounding a bit harder than usual...and a bit faster. The day is dreary...lots of wind, mist, grey clouds covering us like an umbrella.
Be Well!
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
Stolen...
Thanks Shane!
Q. What is your occupation?
My occupation right now is…homemaker…in search of gainful employment.
Q. What color are the socks you are wearing?
No socks - I'm in the house!
Q. What are you listening to right now?
Beatles…”Come Together”
Q. What was the last thing that you ate?
A handful of miniature marshmallows and two chocolate Hershey miniatures…
Q. Can you drive a stick shift?
Yep…but I’d rather not.
Q. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
I’d be the color of a prism…does Crayola have that??
Q. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Personnel Agency
Q. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
I stole it…from my son…who I love!
Q. How old are you today?
51
Q. Favorite drink?
Cold, fresh, water!
Q. What is your favorite sport to watch?
I don't watch sports
Q. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Repeatedly…
Q. Pets?
None right now
Q. Favorite food?
Chocolate
Q. What was the last movie you watched?
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Q. Favorite day of the year?
Christmas Day
Q. What do you do to vent anger?
Clean or walk
Q. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I didn’t have a favorite
Q. What is your favorite: fall or spring?
The flowers of spring, the leaves of fall…but spring wins over all!
Q. Hugs or kisses?
Depends on who they're from
Q. Cherries or Blueberries?
Cherries
Q. Do you want your friends to email you back?
Of course!
Q. Living arrangements?
Me and my husband…in a big ole house
Q. When was the last time you cried?
A few days ago
Q. What is on the floor of your closet?
Carpet…and shoes…and shoe boxes
Q. What did you do last night?
Went for a walk, watched TV, chatted on IM, went to bed and dreamed about aliens.
Q. Favorite smells?
I love the smell of Christmas…and clean sheets!
Q. What (who) inspires you?
My family, nature, humanity…
Q. Favorite dog breed?
I love almost all dogs (just not the mean ones)…
Q. Number of keys on your key ring?
5
Q. How many states have you lived in?
2
Q. What are you afraid of?
Snakes
Q. Ever driven heavy machinery?
Once…a big bus…does that count??
Q. What is your favorite hobby?
Writing, Reading, and people watching…
Be Well!
Q. What is your occupation?
My occupation right now is…homemaker…in search of gainful employment.
Q. What color are the socks you are wearing?
No socks - I'm in the house!
Q. What are you listening to right now?
Beatles…”Come Together”
Q. What was the last thing that you ate?
A handful of miniature marshmallows and two chocolate Hershey miniatures…
Q. Can you drive a stick shift?
Yep…but I’d rather not.
Q. If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
I’d be the color of a prism…does Crayola have that??
Q. Last person you spoke to on the phone?
Personnel Agency
Q. Do you like the person who sent this to you?
I stole it…from my son…who I love!
Q. How old are you today?
51
Q. Favorite drink?
Cold, fresh, water!
Q. What is your favorite sport to watch?
I don't watch sports
Q. Have you ever dyed your hair?
Repeatedly…
Q. Pets?
None right now
Q. Favorite food?
Chocolate
Q. What was the last movie you watched?
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Q. Favorite day of the year?
Christmas Day
Q. What do you do to vent anger?
Clean or walk
Q. What was your favorite toy as a child?
I didn’t have a favorite
Q. What is your favorite: fall or spring?
The flowers of spring, the leaves of fall…but spring wins over all!
Q. Hugs or kisses?
Depends on who they're from
Q. Cherries or Blueberries?
Cherries
Q. Do you want your friends to email you back?
Of course!
Q. Living arrangements?
Me and my husband…in a big ole house
Q. When was the last time you cried?
A few days ago
Q. What is on the floor of your closet?
Carpet…and shoes…and shoe boxes
Q. What did you do last night?
Went for a walk, watched TV, chatted on IM, went to bed and dreamed about aliens.
Q. Favorite smells?
I love the smell of Christmas…and clean sheets!
Q. What (who) inspires you?
My family, nature, humanity…
Q. Favorite dog breed?
I love almost all dogs (just not the mean ones)…
Q. Number of keys on your key ring?
5
Q. How many states have you lived in?
2
Q. What are you afraid of?
Snakes
Q. Ever driven heavy machinery?
Once…a big bus…does that count??
Q. What is your favorite hobby?
Writing, Reading, and people watching…
Be Well!
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Godcidence....
Over and over, I have commented on the fact that, in this town, I never see anyone that I know…
We began the day by attending a baptismal service for some friends. The church that they attend is very large and holds three services to accommodate everyone…we were at the middle service…9:30 a.m. There we sat, waiting for the service to start…when our daughter noticed the names of a couple who we hadn’t seen in more than ten years. This particular couple had a very ‘remarkable’ history where we came from…having split up two families and devastated our church by having an extramarital affair, he being the pastor, and she the secretary. In the end, they divorced their respective spouses, married each other and disappeared into the sunset. Despite the fact that we were…sitting in church…our human curiosity got the better of us and we began to crane our necks…hoping for a glimpse of the wayward twosome. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a man and woman slide into the row in front of us and sit down…it was them. After the service, we exchanged handshakes and pleasantries…and left thinking about the strangeness of the encounter.
As we moved out into the hallway, we were greeted by a man who, only a few months ago had discharged my husband from his job of 11 years, during a downsizing. During the ensuing conversation, we found out that, after the company used this individual to do their dirty work, they let him go as well. Before moving forward even one more step…a friend of the ‘company man’ walked up and was greeted by my husband, my son, and the company man…whereupon each looked at the other in amazement as they realized that they all had this acquaintance in common.
We left church talking about the events thus far. We soon arrived at a local Bar B Q place for lunch…a party of 11. As we sat at our table eating and chatting, we looked up to see a couple who we had not seen in three years or so…standing in line to eat. Hugs and updates were exchanged over the next ten minutes or so!
What an odd world we live in. I can’t help but reflect on the particular people who we were brought in contact with today. I believe that things happen for a reason, so is it possible that…the couple who left church and community in disgrace…may have been a reminder that God has forgiven them…and we should too, the man who dismissed my husband…perhaps to remind us that we don’t have a solitary claim to hardship…even though it sometimes seems as though we do! And…the last couple…a bright spot…at the end of remembrance of more sobering times.
All of these things…after a communion service…This Do In Remembrance Of Me…Godcidence…if ever I saw it!
Be Well!
We began the day by attending a baptismal service for some friends. The church that they attend is very large and holds three services to accommodate everyone…we were at the middle service…9:30 a.m. There we sat, waiting for the service to start…when our daughter noticed the names of a couple who we hadn’t seen in more than ten years. This particular couple had a very ‘remarkable’ history where we came from…having split up two families and devastated our church by having an extramarital affair, he being the pastor, and she the secretary. In the end, they divorced their respective spouses, married each other and disappeared into the sunset. Despite the fact that we were…sitting in church…our human curiosity got the better of us and we began to crane our necks…hoping for a glimpse of the wayward twosome. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw a man and woman slide into the row in front of us and sit down…it was them. After the service, we exchanged handshakes and pleasantries…and left thinking about the strangeness of the encounter.
As we moved out into the hallway, we were greeted by a man who, only a few months ago had discharged my husband from his job of 11 years, during a downsizing. During the ensuing conversation, we found out that, after the company used this individual to do their dirty work, they let him go as well. Before moving forward even one more step…a friend of the ‘company man’ walked up and was greeted by my husband, my son, and the company man…whereupon each looked at the other in amazement as they realized that they all had this acquaintance in common.
We left church talking about the events thus far. We soon arrived at a local Bar B Q place for lunch…a party of 11. As we sat at our table eating and chatting, we looked up to see a couple who we had not seen in three years or so…standing in line to eat. Hugs and updates were exchanged over the next ten minutes or so!
What an odd world we live in. I can’t help but reflect on the particular people who we were brought in contact with today. I believe that things happen for a reason, so is it possible that…the couple who left church and community in disgrace…may have been a reminder that God has forgiven them…and we should too, the man who dismissed my husband…perhaps to remind us that we don’t have a solitary claim to hardship…even though it sometimes seems as though we do! And…the last couple…a bright spot…at the end of remembrance of more sobering times.
All of these things…after a communion service…This Do In Remembrance Of Me…Godcidence…if ever I saw it!
Be Well!
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
A cold, blustery day...
I headed out for my morning walk...still in a funk. Out of the blue...familiarity lifted me. The geese have returned...today!
Geese
In an ever changing world
Of discontent…
Familiar things…
Like balm to the soul.
Cold wind in my face
Uncertainty in my heart
I trudge forth…
Battling dark thoughts.
In the distance…
I see them.
Waddling, honking,
Old friends in a storm.
Normalcy…comfort…
A parallel universe,
In which…yesterdays peace
Still exists.
Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.
Geese
In an ever changing world
Of discontent…
Familiar things…
Like balm to the soul.
Cold wind in my face
Uncertainty in my heart
I trudge forth…
Battling dark thoughts.
In the distance…
I see them.
Waddling, honking,
Old friends in a storm.
Normalcy…comfort…
A parallel universe,
In which…yesterdays peace
Still exists.
Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Foggy Tuesday...
I found out yesterday that my former employer is contesting my unemployment compensation. After a bit of thought and going back through some paperwork…it has become glaringly apparent why…the ‘good ole boy’ network. It seems that the need to protect each other is more important than honesty, ethics, or human decency. In their quest to be sure that they ‘get even’ with me for leaving their good buddy…they are willing to band together and lie.
I knew that there was some animosity towards me…but I would never have dreamed that they would do something like this. I assumed that they were professional people…who would put aside petty nonsense and move forward…I was wrong. It’s frightening to think that people who handle other people’s money and financial futures…are so ready to be dishonest. I will not work for another broker.
I am fighting depression this morning in a big way. I want nothing more right now, than to crawl back into bed, cover my head up and stay there. I am fed up with trying to do the right thing, and being kicked in the teeth. I hate the stupid ‘games’ that people in office settings seem determined to play…why not just go to work, do the job, give those around you a hand…and go home? I’m tired…disillusioned…hurt…and angry. I really don’t want to try anymore…but…the sun is trying to shine (although, much like me, it is shrouded by a dense fog this morning). I will put on my freaking ‘big girl panties’, go for a walk, and hope that it helps. Life goes on…and on…and on.
Be Well
I knew that there was some animosity towards me…but I would never have dreamed that they would do something like this. I assumed that they were professional people…who would put aside petty nonsense and move forward…I was wrong. It’s frightening to think that people who handle other people’s money and financial futures…are so ready to be dishonest. I will not work for another broker.
I am fighting depression this morning in a big way. I want nothing more right now, than to crawl back into bed, cover my head up and stay there. I am fed up with trying to do the right thing, and being kicked in the teeth. I hate the stupid ‘games’ that people in office settings seem determined to play…why not just go to work, do the job, give those around you a hand…and go home? I’m tired…disillusioned…hurt…and angry. I really don’t want to try anymore…but…the sun is trying to shine (although, much like me, it is shrouded by a dense fog this morning). I will put on my freaking ‘big girl panties’, go for a walk, and hope that it helps. Life goes on…and on…and on.
Be Well
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Fast visit...
Sunday evening and Rich's visit is almost over. We will miss him more than he knows! He has truly become a wonderful part of our family! It takes a special person to fit in with our nutty bunch...he is very special and fits in perfectly! I am sad to see him go... but I already look forward to his next visit!! We have been so blessed by him this week!
Be Well!
Be Well!
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Saturday morning...
Hello world! It’s been a fast few days! Here’s a recap!
Wednesday- We made a “Welcome to Kansas Rich” banner and headed to the airport to finally meet face-to-face with someone who I feel like I’ve known forever! As Rich came down the aisle, he was greeted by five crazy people holding the aforementioned banner and yelling and waving! I think we surprised him!
Thursday-Marvin and I headed for the airport about 2:30, so that he could catch his plane to Chicago for a seminar. It turned out to be a very long afternoon! He got checked in, picked up his boarding pass, then after going through security…was advised that the flight had been delayed…from 4:45 until 6:30. Over the next couple of hours, that time was changed several times and he finally ended up boarding at 7:00…then sitting on the runway until 7:45. The nightmare wasn’t over….after a long wait in Wichita and the usual flight time, he arrived in Chicago to find about 200 people trying to hail cabs. The weather was cold and blustery, and he was tired and half sick with a dreadful cold. It was after 10:30 p.m. by the time he finally stepped into a cab! Meanwhile, I found out just how big and empty our house can be! I hadn’t been ‘on my own’ in over 30 years. I ended up reading until after 2 a.m.
Friday-I got up around 8:30, checked email, showered, dressed, then began working on my book. About 11:00 Shane and Rich came over and we visited for an hour or so, then went to Fazoli’s for lunch. Afterwards, we drove around the eastside of Wichita for a bit and stopped at World Market to look around. By 2:00 we were back at our house and talked and laughed and laughed and laughed! It was great! Rich is one of the nicest people I have ever met, and he fits right in with our family! It really feels like we have always known him! Shane and Rich left about 4:00 or so, to go let Sugar out, then we met Chas and Candy at River City Brewery for dinner at 5:00. After dinner, we headed back to Chas’s to kick back and relax for a bit. We met Harold and Diane at Bergman’s Corn Maze at 8:15 or so, and the evening began in earnest! We were equipped with flashlights, a map, and a list of questions to answer in order to find our way through the maze. It was totally dark by the time the driver dropped us off at the entrance to the field, and a chilly wind had begun to blow. We spent the next two and a half hours tromping through rows and rows of corn. As we came to each station, we read the questions, debated the answers, wrote them down, then looked to Harold for direction! We completed the first maze at 10:00, entered the second one, and completed it at aprox 11:00! By the time we got back in the car to leave, our feet and hands were numb with cold! We talked, laughed, screamed and joked and…even though it was freezing…we had a blast! After a very hot shower, a cup of steaming hot chocolate, and a piece of banana bread…I hit the sack at 1:15!
That brings us to now…Saturday morning! I have a few errands to run, then I will pick Marvin up at the airport at 4:00…unless his arrival is as hexed as his departure was! This evening, he will make a big pot of chili, and after church tomorrow, we will have everyone over for a cookout! I love having a houseful of people, so I am really looking forward to it!!
See ya on the flip side!
Be Well!
Wednesday- We made a “Welcome to Kansas Rich” banner and headed to the airport to finally meet face-to-face with someone who I feel like I’ve known forever! As Rich came down the aisle, he was greeted by five crazy people holding the aforementioned banner and yelling and waving! I think we surprised him!
Thursday-Marvin and I headed for the airport about 2:30, so that he could catch his plane to Chicago for a seminar. It turned out to be a very long afternoon! He got checked in, picked up his boarding pass, then after going through security…was advised that the flight had been delayed…from 4:45 until 6:30. Over the next couple of hours, that time was changed several times and he finally ended up boarding at 7:00…then sitting on the runway until 7:45. The nightmare wasn’t over….after a long wait in Wichita and the usual flight time, he arrived in Chicago to find about 200 people trying to hail cabs. The weather was cold and blustery, and he was tired and half sick with a dreadful cold. It was after 10:30 p.m. by the time he finally stepped into a cab! Meanwhile, I found out just how big and empty our house can be! I hadn’t been ‘on my own’ in over 30 years. I ended up reading until after 2 a.m.
Friday-I got up around 8:30, checked email, showered, dressed, then began working on my book. About 11:00 Shane and Rich came over and we visited for an hour or so, then went to Fazoli’s for lunch. Afterwards, we drove around the eastside of Wichita for a bit and stopped at World Market to look around. By 2:00 we were back at our house and talked and laughed and laughed and laughed! It was great! Rich is one of the nicest people I have ever met, and he fits right in with our family! It really feels like we have always known him! Shane and Rich left about 4:00 or so, to go let Sugar out, then we met Chas and Candy at River City Brewery for dinner at 5:00. After dinner, we headed back to Chas’s to kick back and relax for a bit. We met Harold and Diane at Bergman’s Corn Maze at 8:15 or so, and the evening began in earnest! We were equipped with flashlights, a map, and a list of questions to answer in order to find our way through the maze. It was totally dark by the time the driver dropped us off at the entrance to the field, and a chilly wind had begun to blow. We spent the next two and a half hours tromping through rows and rows of corn. As we came to each station, we read the questions, debated the answers, wrote them down, then looked to Harold for direction! We completed the first maze at 10:00, entered the second one, and completed it at aprox 11:00! By the time we got back in the car to leave, our feet and hands were numb with cold! We talked, laughed, screamed and joked and…even though it was freezing…we had a blast! After a very hot shower, a cup of steaming hot chocolate, and a piece of banana bread…I hit the sack at 1:15!
That brings us to now…Saturday morning! I have a few errands to run, then I will pick Marvin up at the airport at 4:00…unless his arrival is as hexed as his departure was! This evening, he will make a big pot of chili, and after church tomorrow, we will have everyone over for a cookout! I love having a houseful of people, so I am really looking forward to it!!
See ya on the flip side!
Be Well!
Monday, October 09, 2006
N-U-C-L-E-A-R...Heaven help us...
Too late…
Clouds are gatherin
Skies gettin dark
Tomorrow, my friends…
Won’t be no walk in the park.
Korea proclaims…
"We’re catchin up."
In the dead of night
The flume goes up…
Souls of Hiroshima
Cry out in pain…
"Oh God…
Don’t go there again."
From Iraq…
To Bunker Hill
We’re determined…
More blood to spill.
My own doorstep
Now cluttered with ghosts…
They litter the ground
And cling to the posts.
Children playin killing games
Schools under siege…
Babies flyin war planes
Men doin what they please.
Faster and faster
Out of control,
Where it’s gonna stop…
We already know.
Close your eyes
Pretend it isn’t there…
Next time you look
The world is bare.
Covered in ash
No one left…
Except the politicians...
Immune to death.
Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.
Clouds are gatherin
Skies gettin dark
Tomorrow, my friends…
Won’t be no walk in the park.
Korea proclaims…
"We’re catchin up."
In the dead of night
The flume goes up…
Souls of Hiroshima
Cry out in pain…
"Oh God…
Don’t go there again."
From Iraq…
To Bunker Hill
We’re determined…
More blood to spill.
My own doorstep
Now cluttered with ghosts…
They litter the ground
And cling to the posts.
Children playin killing games
Schools under siege…
Babies flyin war planes
Men doin what they please.
Faster and faster
Out of control,
Where it’s gonna stop…
We already know.
Close your eyes
Pretend it isn’t there…
Next time you look
The world is bare.
Covered in ash
No one left…
Except the politicians...
Immune to death.
Copyright©2006 by VSchoonover. All rights reserved.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Play by play...
7:25-Marvin left for work
7:30-Fixed a small bowl of instant grits
7:33-Ate my grits while I checked email/blogs…I do love grits!
7:40-Put on sweats, tennis shoes, and IPOD and went for my morning walk…it is fresh, quiet, and gorgeous out this morning.
8:12-Back from my walk, changed clothes
8:15-Began cleaning kitchen…wiping out fridge, cleaning appliance fronts, cleaning out coffee maker, emptying dishwasher, washing and drying kitchen floor, landing floor, bathroom floor
10:07-Just finished the above! I decided to rearrange the fridge (took out shelving and relocated it) and made the cold water container much more accessible! Also, cleaned the sliding door track…ehhhh! How does that stuff get in there?
10:10-Vacuuming house (upstairs and downstairs…and both sets of stairs)
10:15-There is enough hair in the bag to make a wig! Worked up the nerve to check the mirror…I haven’t gone bald…
11:00-Finally finished vacuuming!! There’s a lot of house here! I must have gotten too hot…stupid head is trying to hurt. Time for a cool shower.
12:30-The shower and a few minutes of rest seem to have taken care of the headache! Thank heavens!
12:50-Eating a bowl of chicken noodle soup while I peruse Career Builders .com…these are the tiniest noodles I have ever seen…
1:00-Filled out online app for FBI…I fear it was for naught
1:30-Cleaned my desk up…I’d forgotten what the top looked like
1:46-Stupid headache is trying to wack me again…better lay down for a bit
2:30-Headache gone again-decided to prune hanging plant in living room…I’m afraid I killed it. Mourning period of 5 minutes ensued…followed by interment in the garbage bin. Shuffling of other plants resulted in an appropriate replacement…I decided not to prune it.
3:30-I ran a pot of vinegar water through the coffee maker…it has run over twice in as many days, and, as expected, it began to run over immediately. I finally took the gasket around the inside of the lid out, and it seems to work fine now…so I ran three pots of fresh water through it…daring it to run over again. If it had…it would have joined the plant.
4:07-Just finished applying online for two more jobs. Time now to fix dinner!
Have a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious evening!!
Be Well!
7:30-Fixed a small bowl of instant grits
7:33-Ate my grits while I checked email/blogs…I do love grits!
7:40-Put on sweats, tennis shoes, and IPOD and went for my morning walk…it is fresh, quiet, and gorgeous out this morning.
8:12-Back from my walk, changed clothes
8:15-Began cleaning kitchen…wiping out fridge, cleaning appliance fronts, cleaning out coffee maker, emptying dishwasher, washing and drying kitchen floor, landing floor, bathroom floor
10:07-Just finished the above! I decided to rearrange the fridge (took out shelving and relocated it) and made the cold water container much more accessible! Also, cleaned the sliding door track…ehhhh! How does that stuff get in there?
10:10-Vacuuming house (upstairs and downstairs…and both sets of stairs)
10:15-There is enough hair in the bag to make a wig! Worked up the nerve to check the mirror…I haven’t gone bald…
11:00-Finally finished vacuuming!! There’s a lot of house here! I must have gotten too hot…stupid head is trying to hurt. Time for a cool shower.
12:30-The shower and a few minutes of rest seem to have taken care of the headache! Thank heavens!
12:50-Eating a bowl of chicken noodle soup while I peruse Career Builders .com…these are the tiniest noodles I have ever seen…
1:00-Filled out online app for FBI…I fear it was for naught
1:30-Cleaned my desk up…I’d forgotten what the top looked like
1:46-Stupid headache is trying to wack me again…better lay down for a bit
2:30-Headache gone again-decided to prune hanging plant in living room…I’m afraid I killed it. Mourning period of 5 minutes ensued…followed by interment in the garbage bin. Shuffling of other plants resulted in an appropriate replacement…I decided not to prune it.
3:30-I ran a pot of vinegar water through the coffee maker…it has run over twice in as many days, and, as expected, it began to run over immediately. I finally took the gasket around the inside of the lid out, and it seems to work fine now…so I ran three pots of fresh water through it…daring it to run over again. If it had…it would have joined the plant.
4:07-Just finished applying online for two more jobs. Time now to fix dinner!
Have a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious evening!!
Be Well!
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
No hump...
Here it is…Wednesday…hump day…and there is no hump. I spent the morning setting up a spreadsheet to accommodate my job search info, filling out applications to mail, registering with Kansas job link and Specialists Group. Did a bit of laundry, housecleaning, took lunch to Marvin, then stopped at Dillons for meds and food.
It is an absolutely glorious day outside! The windows are open and a fresh breeze is circulating the warmth and sunshine throughout! I cannot believe it is October 4th already! I shudder to think what Arkalalah holds…weather this mild now is probably only a precursor to a downhill slide! Be that as it may…I am still looking forward to that annual weekend of parades, concessions, seeing people that I can’t quite remember, and walking all day!
Dinner is in the oven…I have organized some of the chaos on my computer desktop, a new project is blooming in the back of my feeble brain…and my desk looks like a tornado hit it! All in all…a good and profitable day!!
Be Well!
It is an absolutely glorious day outside! The windows are open and a fresh breeze is circulating the warmth and sunshine throughout! I cannot believe it is October 4th already! I shudder to think what Arkalalah holds…weather this mild now is probably only a precursor to a downhill slide! Be that as it may…I am still looking forward to that annual weekend of parades, concessions, seeing people that I can’t quite remember, and walking all day!
Dinner is in the oven…I have organized some of the chaos on my computer desktop, a new project is blooming in the back of my feeble brain…and my desk looks like a tornado hit it! All in all…a good and profitable day!!
Be Well!
Monday, October 02, 2006
Thank you Rich!!!
E-Mail Survey Time!
Put an X by all the things you've done, or remove the x from the ones you have not, and send it to all of your friends (including me). This is for your entire life.
( ) Smoked a cigarette
(x) Drank so much you threw up
( /) Crashed a friend's car(dad's car)
( ) Stolen a car
(X) Been in love
(X) Been dumped
(X) Quit your job
(x) Been in a fist fight
(x) Snuck out of your parents' house
(X) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
(/ ) Been arrested (taken in for questioning)
( ) Gone on a blind date
(X) Skipped school
(X) Seen someone die (Too many times)
( ) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Mexico
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been lost
( ) Been on the opposite side of the world.
( ) Gone to Washington , DC
(x) Swam in the ocean
(X) Felt like dying
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robbers
( ) Recently colored with crayons,
( ) Sang karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with only coins
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
(x) Made prank phone calls
(x) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue.
(x) Danced in the rain
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(x) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about
(X) Blown bubbles
(x) Made a bonfire on the beach
(x) Crashed a party
(X) Gone roller-skating
(x) Ice-skating....
1. Any nicknames? Jodyo, Jo, Jo Jo
2. Mother's name? Ellen
3. What is your favorite drink? Water, Diet Coke
4. Tattoos? No
5. Body piercing? 3 holes in each ear
6. How much do you love your job? I don't have a job.
7. Birthplace? Coffeyville, KS
8. Favorite vacation spot? Beach
9. Ever been to Africa ? No
10. Ever steal any traffic signs? Yes and parking meters
11. Ever been in a car accident? Yes
12. 2 Door or 4 Door? 2!
13. Salad dressing? Buttermilk Ranch, Raspberry Vinaigrettee
14. Favorite pie? Pumpkin
15. Favorite number? 2,4,8,16,5,11,
16. Favorite movie? Too many favorites to list
17. Favorite holiday? Christmas
18. Favorite food? Real mashed potatoes
19. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
20. Favorite brand of body soap? Victoria's Secret Amber Romance
21. Favorite TV shows? Everybody Loves Raymond
22. Favorite toothpaste? Crest
23. Favorite smell? Christmas
24. What do you do to relax? Write, talk, walk
25. What do you want to say to all of your friends reading this? Hi!
26. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Still goofy
27. What do you do when you are bored? Clean, walk, sleep
28. Where is the furthest place this message will go? My blog
Put an X by all the things you've done, or remove the x from the ones you have not, and send it to all of your friends (including me). This is for your entire life.
( ) Smoked a cigarette
(x) Drank so much you threw up
( /) Crashed a friend's car(dad's car)
( ) Stolen a car
(X) Been in love
(X) Been dumped
(X) Quit your job
(x) Been in a fist fight
(x) Snuck out of your parents' house
(X) Had feelings for someone who didn't have them back
(/ ) Been arrested (taken in for questioning)
( ) Gone on a blind date
(X) Skipped school
(X) Seen someone die (Too many times)
( ) Been to Canada
( ) Been to Mexico
(X) Been on a plane
(X) Been lost
( ) Been on the opposite side of the world.
( ) Gone to Washington , DC
(x) Swam in the ocean
(X) Felt like dying
(X) Cried yourself to sleep
(X) Played cops and robbers
( ) Recently colored with crayons,
( ) Sang karaoke
(x) Paid for a meal with only coins
(X) Done something you told yourself you wouldn't?
(x) Made prank phone calls
(x) Laughed until some kind of beverage came out of your nose
(X) Caught a snowflake on your tongue.
(x) Danced in the rain
(X) Written a letter to Santa Claus
(X) Been kissed under the mistletoe
(x) Watched the sun rise with someone you care about
(X) Blown bubbles
(x) Made a bonfire on the beach
(x) Crashed a party
(X) Gone roller-skating
(x) Ice-skating....
1. Any nicknames? Jodyo, Jo, Jo Jo
2. Mother's name? Ellen
3. What is your favorite drink? Water, Diet Coke
4. Tattoos? No
5. Body piercing? 3 holes in each ear
6. How much do you love your job? I don't have a job.
7. Birthplace? Coffeyville, KS
8. Favorite vacation spot? Beach
9. Ever been to Africa ? No
10. Ever steal any traffic signs? Yes and parking meters
11. Ever been in a car accident? Yes
12. 2 Door or 4 Door? 2!
13. Salad dressing? Buttermilk Ranch, Raspberry Vinaigrettee
14. Favorite pie? Pumpkin
15. Favorite number? 2,4,8,16,5,11,
16. Favorite movie? Too many favorites to list
17. Favorite holiday? Christmas
18. Favorite food? Real mashed potatoes
19. Favorite day of the week? Saturday
20. Favorite brand of body soap? Victoria's Secret Amber Romance
21. Favorite TV shows? Everybody Loves Raymond
22. Favorite toothpaste? Crest
23. Favorite smell? Christmas
24. What do you do to relax? Write, talk, walk
25. What do you want to say to all of your friends reading this? Hi!
26. How do you see yourself in 10 years? Still goofy
27. What do you do when you are bored? Clean, walk, sleep
28. Where is the furthest place this message will go? My blog
Monday, Monday...
The reunion service at Randall Road was…interesting. We saw lots of people that we hadn’t seen for a while, and heard three (that’s right folks…THREE) sermons in one service. The first sermon was from the interim pastor…very ‘old school’…holy cow…I could have done without that one! The second from a former pastor…again…holy cow. Then a mini sermon by his wife and a…song…of sorts. All of the aforementioned had the tone of a dirge. Finally, we got to the good stuff! Chas sang John The Revelator (which was awesome, and was also exactly the lift that the service needed)! Then Marvin took the pulpit and immediately changed the entire atmosphere with a little laughter and irony! He did an excellent job! I must say, for the first time since we left this church…coming back did not feel like ‘coming home’. I don’t like change…and it takes me a while to ‘move on’ when life throws curves in the road…but I think I finally have.
Unfortunately, during the song that she sang, Chas was hit by a blood pressure/blood sugar/anxiety combo that nearly took her down! After some rest and meds, she was good to go again!
Lunch was pizza at our house, then Marvin and Shane left to go work on Shane’s porch, Candy went home to take a nap, and Chas and I began to get ready for the evening concert!
The Rolling Stones were amazing!! The Stones have always been fantastic…but I never knew that Keith Richards was so awesome in his own right!! Oh my gosh!! He did a blues number that BLEW ME AWAY!!!!!!! The pyrotechnics were outstanding, and the crowd was in sync!! All in all…it was a perfect evening!! I think it may well have been the best concert that I have been to since I was a kid!!
I would be remiss, not to mention the opening band…Black Rebel Motorcycle Club! I heard lots of comments, while standing in line to enter the stadium…about how ‘we got ripped’ by the enlistment of an unknown band as an opener. I believe that we were pleasantly surprised! I definitely enjoyed their performance! They rocked the house for an hour…there wasn’t a body in the stands that wasn’t feeling the beat! I don’t think they will remain ‘unknown’ for long!
I don’t seem to have any words of wit or wisdom to offer this morning…just trying not to start the week in a funk. A hot shower, then a bit of housecleaning and exercise may be just what the doctor ordered!
Catch ya later!
Be Well!
Unfortunately, during the song that she sang, Chas was hit by a blood pressure/blood sugar/anxiety combo that nearly took her down! After some rest and meds, she was good to go again!
Lunch was pizza at our house, then Marvin and Shane left to go work on Shane’s porch, Candy went home to take a nap, and Chas and I began to get ready for the evening concert!
The Rolling Stones were amazing!! The Stones have always been fantastic…but I never knew that Keith Richards was so awesome in his own right!! Oh my gosh!! He did a blues number that BLEW ME AWAY!!!!!!! The pyrotechnics were outstanding, and the crowd was in sync!! All in all…it was a perfect evening!! I think it may well have been the best concert that I have been to since I was a kid!!
I would be remiss, not to mention the opening band…Black Rebel Motorcycle Club! I heard lots of comments, while standing in line to enter the stadium…about how ‘we got ripped’ by the enlistment of an unknown band as an opener. I believe that we were pleasantly surprised! I definitely enjoyed their performance! They rocked the house for an hour…there wasn’t a body in the stands that wasn’t feeling the beat! I don’t think they will remain ‘unknown’ for long!
I don’t seem to have any words of wit or wisdom to offer this morning…just trying not to start the week in a funk. A hot shower, then a bit of housecleaning and exercise may be just what the doctor ordered!
Catch ya later!
Be Well!
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